I need some feedback... I am a busy professional who loves boating and grew up around a traditional sportsfisherman (Bertram 33). I bought my first big boat, a 37 Riviera, a year ago in an effort to reflect my new "style" of boating. The Riv 37 has been a great boat with really no flaws except it gets a bit crowded for extended trips with my wife and two teenage boys. We also seem to always have less than ideal sea conditions on our trips to the keys. (BTW, the Riv 37 has QSB380 Cummins and is loaded with electronics, and is for sale- see YW- Punta Gorda, FL). My boating life is now mostly that of a cruiser and some scuba diving, in the Keys and in the Bahamas. I am NOT a serious fisherman, and may never be. I like the seaworthiness, handling, and style of the sportfish/convertible. My wife is a sweetheart, but is definitely a girly-girl. She is also my first mate. She likes comfort, wants outdoor seating/sunning, and a beautiful interior. Here in lies the dilemna... She does not like a fishing boat and a I do not like motoryachts. She hates the ladder to the flybridge, but I must have a flybridge. She wants outdoor seating and I want to be able to have room to scuba dive, hookah dive, etc. I want a high quality boat that if I am so inclined will be able to sell (if things ever change, as they do). I see a larger Riviera or an Ocean in the 45-55 foot range as a reasonable compromise. She likes Azimut, Sunseeker, the Ocean Odyssey, etc. Anyone ever been in the same situation? What did you do? Any comments about any of these boats? HELP!! Our budget is 1 mil or less... Steve
Dear Dual-citizenship; Apparently, you didn't sign a pre-nuptial agreement? Seriously, it sounds like the two of you are ripe for a trip to the bustling, 'Rybovich Marina.' The reason I say this is they too have been forced to accept an entirely new rationale behind the choices of today's buyers. You'll see their P.R. piece further down the first page under special features. This is not an outright endorsement, because I don't fully understand their products. In fact, the boat shown is fairly weird looking to me, and of course, the three-story fly-bridge won't appeal to her sense of aesthetics. That is, unless the visit itself can aussage the family views of "dad's" perfidious obsession... 'Hooka-diving' can get you busted up here. But, it shouldn't require much more than a stable inflatable tender, and a bag full of flippers and snorkels to find plenty of guests for a delightful shallows party. You really don't want to end up like my friend, Mark Williams. He was probably one of the world's top dive-instructors, but he's nearly lost his hearing by age 50.
Hi Steve, Since you said high quality, I think the Hinckley Talaria would be good enough for both of you. The T55 can now be had with a flybridge and if it is too expensive, the T44 is not bad either. http://www.hinckleyyachts.com/ A video tour of the T55 is here; http://video.thehinckleycompany.com/T55/
In my 12 years of boat sales, that is an area where I never want to side with husband or wife. Every boat is a compromise, you need to look at enough boats that you both fall in love with the boat, or at least fall in like! There are lots of boats built now with stairs to the flybridge and plenty of slightly used boats in that price range. I often suggest a trip to some local marinas to walk around on a weekend and talk to boat owners. Almost all of them love to talk about their boats and you can ask what they like and dislike about their boats. You and your wife can get some first hand comments without any bias, and it is fun to do. Good luck with your search. Tucker Fallon Yacht Broker
Hi Steve, Boaters on the other side of the USA seemed to be faced with a similar situation. I think some of the boats that came out of the Pacific Northwest may be of interest. Wm Crealock designed a well built ( nice fit & finish) yachtfish called Offshore. Also, Ed Monk designed a great boat called Tollycraft. Then a couple of guys named Drake and Fleming put together a Flemming 50 & 55. Most ,if not all of these boats have walk-around side decks, a cockpit and a back down station to assist your fishing & diving needs. Your wife should like the interiors, rich wood, nice steps to the bridge, big main saloons & materstaterooms. The boats tend to have a lower center of gravity than a traditional Motoryacht so she will not get sea sick as quick. I am sure your yachtbroker can get you on a couple of these boats. Who knows, just might be what your looking for. Good luck, Jason oh ..I have to agree with AMG, The Hinkley 55 with a flybrdge is a beautiful boat and would be a home run if you looking for a pedigree fishing yacht.
if anything in line with hinckley is of interest, i suggest you check vicem boats as well. you can have a similar boat with a lot of customizing opportunity at a lower cost. http://www.vicemyacht.com/
What about a Sea Ray or a Silverton seadan bridge where they have staircases to the bridge instead of a ladder. http://www.searay.com/yachts.asp?modelid=80644&modelyear=2007#
searay I am not a fan of either brand as there fit/finish, styling, seaworthiness are not up to the standards I am seeking.
Yeah nor am I, but I though i'd throw it out there for you. A sea ray or Silverton is a few steps down from you 37 Riviera. Don't know what your budget is but what about a custom build.
shelgemo, have a look at maritimo www.***************. Designed and built by the same guy who built Riviera's (Bill Barry-Cotter) and he is now buildng more upscale boats. Beautiful motoryacht quality interiors and fitout - a flybridge and an internal staicase to the bridge - perhaps the best of all worlds. There are a couple at my Yacht Club in Perth abd they are exquisite to say the least. Cheers Dainis
Update Update: After a weekend of soul-searching and boat boarding, the "admiral" (and good sense) prevailed and we are now looking for a slightly used Viking Sport Cruiser- prob 57. Any thoughts...Any one who owns or has looked for a boat in this class/size? Anyone who owns one?
Welcome to yachtforums Steve!! If you're serious about a Viking look for this magazine; http://www.****************/main/valhalla.asp
update#2 Moving from a 37 Riv to a 57 Viking Sport Cruiser ended up being more of a jump than either of us were ready for. We loved nearly everything about our 37 Riv and so we find a nearly new 47 Riviera. We close on Wednesday and after a brief visit to Riviera's service center, we will then move the boat to Key West for July to September. Anyone in that vicinity should drop me an email at: shelgemo at gmail.com.
Steve, Congrats on the new ride. I trust the little lady is happy with the decision. I'll be in Key West later in July for a few days so I'll drop a line when I get a firm date and perhaps we can hook up for a few minutes (or a cold cocktail). Let me know if you make it over to the right side of FL (Fort Laud up to Palm Beach), we'll have to visit.